Whoa! These two chapters left me wanting A LOT more. What a tease! :) I'm a fantasy dabbler/novice and this one seems so good. A village trapped on an always icy ledge (extremely high up) and a random death every year by a taloned creature. These two chapters gave me just enough info to read the book. I recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy or unique plots.

I appreciate the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read these two chapters in exchange for an honest review.

Ledge intrigued me from the start. Humans trapped in a harsh, isolated environment, hunted down by icy, fae-like beings known as Glacians, offered a promising setup for a fantasy novel. However, where "Ledge" lost me a bit was in its handling of romance. I'm generally not a fan of instant love, and in this case, it felt rushed and forced. Despite being billed as enemies-to-lovers, the transition felt more like a slight dislike to a convenient hookup. Additionally, the twist at the ending didn't hold much weight for me, as I wasn't invested enough in the story to care deeply about it. Nevertheless, I found the female main character (FMC) enjoyable, and I intend to give the second book a chance. Dawsyn is a strong character, and I'm curious to see where her journey leads.

I only got the first two chapters, should've read the fine print hahah, so can't say much other than I was hooked and bought it!!

I have been following Stacey for awhile on social media, here videos are hilarious so when I found out she wrote a few books I immediately went to buy them. I read the first few chapters of this book (it was a sample download) and my oh my I am HOOKED! I need to know what happens next and should probably pick up her other ones as well.

This is going to be a 5star read for me for sure!!!!!

Thank you Netgalley!

So I read the first two chapters and so far I’m intrigued. I liked Dawson, she seems very strong and intelligent. I’m curious to see how He for plays into it long term.

We didn’t get to see or meet any of the Galatians so idk how they are but based on the synopsis I’m assuming we will meet them soon.

Will be picking up the rest of the story.

Thank you so much NetGalley for the exclusive sampler of Ledge. This series has been on my TBR for a while and reading these two chapters has cemented how much I need to get these books in my hands. Stacey McEwan’s prose is excellent and the desolate nature of the Ledge and the world she created intrigues me. I cannot wait to continue reading about Dawsyn and whatever journey she will find.

I actually enjoyed this read a lot! I feel like the story was very engaging. The characters keep it interesting and the love story is good. The worldview was great and made you feel like you were there. There are some twists so that helps keep it going along to. I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, enemies to lovers books.

Ok I have a new favourite fantasy world… I really, really enjoyed this!! Ive had this on my TBR for so long and I wish I had picked it up sooner as it was just so good. Dawsyn and Ryon were just lush - the enemies to lovers trope is just my fave and it was done so well. The action and the spice were perfection - and the plot kept me hooked from the very first chapter. I can’t wait to pick up the next in this series!

I do not feel as though the sample was large enough for me to give a full review. However, I was HOOKED so much so that I immediately downloaded it onto my kindle!!

I received a sampler of the first two chapters of the book. I was initially interested in this book after seeing it on TikTok, and I was excited to see this preview available! As a big fantasy romance fan I went in hopeful for this. Within the first chapter I’m already interested in the story. The writing is well done so far and the author has set up the plot in a way that leaves me with questions and desire to keep reading. I love how much information we are getting right away about the way society works. This is one I will definitely continue to read!

Such a great preview that I've ordered the book, and look forward to reading more! Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for an e-arc snippet in exchange for an honest review.

I liked it enough to consider finishing the book - which is the point. I like the premise and want to know what happens.

I got intrigued by this extract. It fits the description but it wasn't enough for me to develop a real opinion.

In a place known solely as the Ledge, a “town” trapped by a vast chasm and sheer mountain face. There’s nowhere for them to escape the frozen wasteland without falling due to the deathly drop. They know nothing of the outside world. But what they do know are The Glacians. Vicious winged creatures bringing them meagre rations in return for a periodic human sacrifice. Dawsyn is the only remaining member of her family. She has avoided being taken but now her luck has run out. Dawsyn finds herself chosen, ripped from her icy home, the only world she’s known. No one knows what will happen once taken from the land of the Ledge by the Glacians. Least of all Dawsyn.

Fortunately, a half-Glacian called Ryon offers to help them both escape. But how can Dawsyn trust the one creature that she has always hated? The very creatures that have plagued her life with so much strife?

Ledge has been on my TBR since I first saw the cover and knew I needed to add it to my shelves (I am totally a cover buyer). This ambitious fantasy debut is the first book in the Glacian trilogy series. A sizzling story filled with an excellent premise and vivid writing. Ledge delivers on all cylinders.

In this epic fantasy, we follow Dawsyn. Think of her like a Kill Bill fairy-esque human. That takes no shit! Dawsyn is very much a smart-mouthed, quick-witted girl. The act now and ask questions later type. Messing with Dawsyn you will often find her ax in a part of your body! And I love that for her.

THE COLD IS NOT ALIVE..
She feels it is the end of the line when she is taken from the ledge to where the glacians reside in Glacia. But, a cocky Glacian king gives her (and all the others captured with her) a choice, enter the pool of Iskra, taking her very essence, or run the hillside. Of course, Dawsyn chooses to run! Thus the unwinding of the tale.

The story of the Ledge is told in third person close. I often feel I don’t particularly appreciate when stories are told from this point of view. Giving a shroud of something that I want to shrug off. It isn’t engaging enough for me.

And, oftentimes with a POV being third person close, it feels like someone is telling you a story instead of showing you what is happening. Adding to this feeling is the repetition of the first 30 pages. Circling and circling, spiraling down a drain, that is a never-ending cycle of the Ledge, the Chasm, and the Glacians, tightly packed together.

While all those moments of frustration are true this feels like something more. As it progresses it loosens evolving into a harmoniously frost tale. Like a lover reminiscing over history shared, moments stolen and battles had. So after reading Ledge, I find I am more inclined to read this POV style than previously.

STAY THE FROST…
In addition, the pacing feels slow. Not glacially (get it lol glacially) so but slow enough that you crave a quicker tempo. Which could be due to the angle of the point of view or the buildup to the grand reveal. But, as the story progresses it melts and molds into a breathtaking story, understanding why it carries that way.

Let’s talk about the writing. Author Stacey Mcewan’s writing is beautiful. Vivid and lush without being overly flowery. Suiting Ledge perfectly. There are moments where the details didn’t quite fit, giving a forced quality to it, but those were few and far between. Some of my favorite moments are when Dawsyn learns what money is, and when she sees the ocean for the first time. Stealing her breath and making her realize there is so much more than just the icy ledge she’s inhabited for so long.

The overall plot and premise are well done and unique. It is engaging (aside from those moments I mentioned) and leaves room for your brain to work and parse questions. This breathing room is actually what keeps you wanting to turn the pages.

The world-building had a great balance, sometimes wishing there was a little more to tip the scales into excellent territory. While the characters added to the world building giving additional fascination and detail. I wish there was a little more explanation given. As someone who needs to connect with the characters to fully enjoy a story, it feels like there wasn’t enough.

As you probably guessed we’re going to talk about character development. For the first half of the book, Dawsyn is an overgrown child. This could be due to her lack of experience with the world outside the icy land of the ledge. As the story progresses she is still a smart-mouthed woman just a little more well-rounded I like to think lol.

WATCH THE CHASM…
And then there is the romance. The Ledge would be considered a TRUE enemies-to-lovers story. With no “instalove” and true hatred (at least on Dawsyn’s side). Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes (when done right). Their romance doesn’t feel overtly physical, with a gradual building of interest and crumbling of walls and prejudices between the two.

Is it spicy? Yes! There are a few open-door scenes that are well-written. Not for teens. He literally feasts on her on a table (whew flashbacks). In conjunction with the enemies-to-lovers aspect of Ledge there is a great build-up to the true spice scenes (there is one in the very beginning but it doesn’t strike me as a true scene). If you aren’t one for spice I would suggest skipping this series.

What I don’t like is the constant “girl” that Ryon throws out when talking to Dawsyn. Even when he knows her name it’s girl. And yes is she acting like a kid, absolutely do you have to constantly call her that ABSOLUTELY NOT! Please use some other term of endearment. It was annoying.

Let’s wrap this up, shall we? So what do I give this new fantasy series? This gutsy epic fantasy gets 4.5 stars. Some moments were obvious to me (I didn’t mention them in this review because it can be seen as a SPOILER). But overall, it was very enjoyable. The romance was solid. The banter, even more so with Dawsyn spitting fire at Ryon constantly! And after that ending, I have to continue to see what’s next for Dawsyn!

*Content warnings* gratuitous violence & death; death of a minor; suicide; attempted sexual assault

Ledge is perfect for your book clubs! It is available on Kindle or you can buy a copy wherever books are sold! Book 2 to the Glacian trilogy Chasm is out now!

Really enjoyed this two chapter sampler.

Already I feel I have a small grasp of Dawsyn’s world and life on the Ledge.

I’ll definitely be purchasing a copy to find out what happens next.

Oh God such a teaser!!! M immediately going to buy this book now . Aaahhhh!! Can't wait to read the trilogy 😍😍😍

This teaser teased me right into buying the book myself. 100% an effective promotion and I cannot wait to read more!

The pacing in McEwan's writing is on point. The beginning really grabbed me with its vivid description of the cold wilderness. Dawsyn is definitely a self-sufficient kind of gal, she kinda gave me Katniss vibes from The Hunger Games. The only thing that bothered me a bit was the lack of character development. Sometimes, it felt like we were just supposed to know everything about someone without much explanation. Like Hector, I thought he was an old man at first, and then suddenly he's Dawsyn's love interest. It was a bit confusing. But overall, I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it to those that like The Hunger Games!

Thank you NetGalley, Angry Robot publishing, and Stacey McEwan for my advanced sneak peek of the start to this book!
Ledge is immediately captivating by dropping the reader into the unknown with the main characters. The pacing was quick and left me eager for the rest of the book! I found this selection to be reminiscent of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner. If that’s true for the rest of the series then I’ll definitely be picking it up soon. Overall, it’s difficult to rate a short selection like this without any other context, but I’m confident in 4 stars until I can get to the rest of the book and series.

Okay, wow. I loved everything about this sample! From the worldbuilding to the characters, it’s all exactly what I look for in fantasy books!